Career Center: O Come All Ye Rainmakers - Tips for Networking During the Holidays

With the holiday season in full swing, ‘tis the season for parties. In today’s Career Center post, the recruiters at Lateral Link provide you with tips on how to work a room and expand your network while mingling with co-workers, family, and friends.

1. First, research the guest list. Come up with a list of people attending the party you want to meet and talking points for each of them.

2. Develop and memorize a short personal introduction (your elevator pitch) containing information on who you are, what you do, and why you are here.

Keep reading for more valuable tips to use this holiday season….

3. Make sure you are punctual — this is not the time to be fashionably late. If you arrive early to the party, you will be able to target guests you want to meet before they get sucked into other conversations.

4. Establish rapport. When meeting a new contact, start with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Really connect with the person to whom you are speaking.

5. While at the party, make sure to listen. Most people make the mistake of talking too much, specifically about themselves. The key to building your network is connecting with those that you meet, but make sure you listen to them!

6. Master the business card exchange. Keep your cards in one pocket and those you receive in another pocket to ensure you don’t mix them up.

7. During the party, move around the room. You’ll get stuck talking to the same person all night if you don’t have an exit strategy. A simple, “It was great to meet you. I see someone I need to say hello to,” will allow you to transition easily from guest to guest.

8. When the party is near the end, reconnect with a few key people. Make yourself memorable by taking a few minutes to circle back to those you met earlier and reiterate a talking point.

9. Finally, remember that networking is a marathon, not a sprint. The goal of a networking event is to meet new people. Don’t ask for favors, push to get an interview, or try to secure new business. Develop enough of a rapport that you can email or call your new connection and ask them to meet for coffee or lunch. Start slow — new business relationships take time to develop.

Enjoy this holiday season and make the most out of your holiday parties. Use the tips above and effectively work the room. For additional career resources, check out the Career Center, powered by Lateral Link.